Pedestrian Day Use hours are from 6:00am-10:00pm.
Vehicle Day Use hours are from 7:00am - 8:00pm.
Pismo State Beach
Update (June 8, 2021): Whether an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a new one, park visitors must continue to recreate responsibly in the outdoors as the pandemic is far from over.
COVID-19 Guidelines
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community from COVID-19 by following these prevention measures while recreating in California’s State Park System:
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.
COVID-19 Guidelines
Recreate Responsibly
Protect yourself, family, friends and your community from COVID-19 by following these prevention measures while recreating in California’s State Park System:
- Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick.
- Plan Ahead – Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.
- Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System. Learn more at parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
- Keep Your Distance – Avoid crowds. If there are too many people at a park or beach, please visit on a different day.
- Wear a Mask – State Parks continues to follow guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health:
- Everyone: In indoor settings, such as museums and visitor centers, face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.
- Fully Vaccinated Persons: Face coverings are not required outdoors except when attending crowded outdoor events.
- Unvaccinated Persons: Face coverings are required outdoors any time physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Leave No Trace – Leave areas better than how you found them by staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Do not disturb wildlife or plants.
Although law enforcement entities have the authority to issue citations, the expectation is that the public is responsible for adhering to the advice of public health officials, visitor guidelines and closures.
Three-Phased Reopening Plan
State Parks initiated phase I of the three-phased reopening plan for Oceano Dunes SVRA and Pismo SB on Oct. 30, 2020 and has observed successful balancing of vehicle access, environmental protections and public health protocols during that phase. In consultation with state and local public health departments and other regional public land managers, State Parks is preparing to move into the next phase for these popular outdoor destinations.
Detailed information on the phases can be viewed here: Phase One | Phase Two | FAQs.
Updates on the three-phased reopening plan will also be shared on Oceano District Twitter and Facebook social media accounts.
Public Comments
Thank you for your feedback on the future of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). The department continues to receive significant public feedback on this popular outdoor destination. Although we may not be able to directly respond to each individual comment, all comments are taken seriously and will be considered in the management decisions for Oceano Dunes SVRA.
What is Currently Open?
State Parks initiated phase I of the three-phased reopening plan for Oceano Dunes SVRA and Pismo SB on Oct. 30, 2020 and has observed successful balancing of vehicle access, environmental protections and public health protocols during that phase. In consultation with state and local public health departments and other regional public land managers, State Parks is preparing to move into the next phase for these popular outdoor destinations.
Detailed information on the phases can be viewed here: Phase One | Phase Two | FAQs.
Updates on the three-phased reopening plan will also be shared on Oceano District Twitter and Facebook social media accounts.
Public Comments
Thank you for your feedback on the future of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA). The department continues to receive significant public feedback on this popular outdoor destination. Although we may not be able to directly respond to each individual comment, all comments are taken seriously and will be considered in the management decisions for Oceano Dunes SVRA.
What is Currently Open?
- Campsites for the developed Oceano Campground and North Beach Campground within Pismo SB are available for booking.
Notice: There is a $10.00 fee for use of dump station facilities in most California State Parks. State Parks is partnering with Sani-Star, a provider of self-pay stations for sewage dumps, to secure the dump station and collect fees for use. Sani-Star accepts credit and debit cards right at the dump station.
Beginning June 1, 2021, Oceano Dunes District will be using Sani Star as our pumping fee concessionaire. All pumping, including Oceano Dunes SVRA at LeSage Drive and Pismo State Beach at North Beach campground, will be required to pay the $10.00 fee to Sani Star for use of the dump station. The new system only accepts credit cards, no cash will be accepted.
This Sani-Star partnership and new fee collection system will allow State Parks to control the sanitary dump station and prevent illegal use, in order to help us protect the environment. This partnership will assist State Parks in the recovery of rising fees from the sanitary and water districts and offset maintenance costs. This pay per use system allows us to continue with our low camping fees without assessing a dump fee applied to all campers, only those using the dump facilities will be affected.
Beginning June 1, 2021, Oceano Dunes District will be using Sani Star as our pumping fee concessionaire. All pumping, including Oceano Dunes SVRA at LeSage Drive and Pismo State Beach at North Beach campground, will be required to pay the $10.00 fee to Sani Star for use of the dump station. The new system only accepts credit cards, no cash will be accepted.
This Sani-Star partnership and new fee collection system will allow State Parks to control the sanitary dump station and prevent illegal use, in order to help us protect the environment. This partnership will assist State Parks in the recovery of rising fees from the sanitary and water districts and offset maintenance costs. This pay per use system allows us to continue with our low camping fees without assessing a dump fee applied to all campers, only those using the dump facilities will be affected.
Phone Number
(805) 473-7220
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: Up to 31 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: Up to 36 Feet
Park Hours
Dogs Allowed?
Yes
Dogs not allowed in Pismo Dune Preserve.
Driving Directions to Pismo SB
The beach is located in the town of Oceano off Highway 1.Camping and Lodging
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Family Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
Family Campsites
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding
Hiking Trails
Horseback Riding
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Food Service
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Food Service
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Welcome to Pismo State Beach! Located along the beautiful Central Coast of California, Pismo State Beach has a pleasant year round climate making it ideal for outdoor recreation and exploring! Visitors at Pismo State Beach enjoy many diverse outdoor activites including: camping, surfing, swimming, fishing and bird watching. There are also walking trails along the coastal sand dune habitat and around the freshwater Oceano Lagoon. Be sure to stop by the Oceano Dunes District Vistor Center to learn about our free educational programs and don't miss the special opportunity to observe Western Monarch Butterflies in the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove (November-February)!
Day Use
Visitors wanting to access the beach by foot may park their vehicles in the lot located off of West Grand Avenue near Fin’s Bar & Grill Restaurant. A boardwalk to the beach and public restrooms are available for visitors.
Day use passes are $5.00 per vehicle entering the beach. Motor vehicles may access the beach at the end of West Grand Avenue located in Grover Beach. The speed limit on the beach is 15 MPH. It is strongly recommended that only those with four-wheel drive vehicles access the beach.
Campfires are allowed on the beach but must not be greater than three feet in diameter and two feet in height. Only wood and untreated wood products free of metal, petroleum products or other toxic substances shall be used. Fires must be fully extinguished with water and left exposed, never burried in sand.
Dogs are allowed on the beach and park trails but must be kept on a leash, not longer than six (6) feet, at all times. Dogs are not allowed at the Pismo Dune Preserve or at Oso Flaco Lake.
Camping
All camping reservations must be made online at Reserve California or by calling Reserve California at 1-800-444-7275 8:00am - 6:00pm Pacific Time (PT). Reservations are required during peak season and holiday weekends. Reservations may be made up to six (6) months in advance, but they must be made at least 48 hours prior to arrival. A maximum of two (2) licensed vehicles (including motorcycles, trailers and RVs) are allowed per campsite. Vehicles may be parked only in your assigned campsite. Check-out time is noon and check-in time is 2pm.
Both campgrounds within Pismo State Beach provide conventional amenities such restrooms, pay operated hot-showers, picnic tables and a camp fire ring. Firewood is available for sale at the Camp Host Campsites or by inquiring with park staff at the kiosk. Fee-based RV Dump Stations are located within the entrance to the North Beach Campground and at Le Sege Drive near the dirt parking lot at the Grande Avenue entrance to the Oceano Dunes SVRA. The price per campsite does not include the use of the dump station; the dump fee is $10 and is payable by credit card.
If you are seeking information about the primitive beach camping, please visit the Oceano Dunes SVRA Website.
For more details about camping at California State Parks, including cancellation and modification policies, please see the Camping Information Website.
North Beach Campground features tent camping facilities and a campfire center. There are no hook-up sites available in this campground. Visitors can access the beach from the campground and enjoy the the views along Carpenter Creek. The Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is accessible from the campground. In the summer months, Jr. Ranger Programs and Campfire Programs are held at the campfire center. Click here to view a map of the North Beach Campground: North Beach Campground Map
Oceano Campground features both hook-up RV sites and tent camping sites. Visitors can access the beach from the campground, explore wildlife along a freshwater lagoon, and enjoy the Visitor Center. In the summer months, Jr. Ranger Programs and Campfire Programs are held at the campfire center. Click here to view a map of the North Beach Campground: Oceano Campground Map
Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center
Located at 555 Pier Avenue at the entrance to the Oceano Campground, the newly remodeled Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center is a one stop place to learn about the park and local area. Friendly staff and volunteers will help answer your questions about the park and local area. This interpretive center will introduce you to the history of the area, teach you about local wildlife and give you fun ideas for adventuring in the park! Kids can pick up an interpretive activity booklet.
Interpretive Education Programs
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all in-person interpretive programming has been suspended until further notice. The Summer 2020 interpretive programs were hosted online in a digital format and are now available for streaming on the links listed below. For the 2020-2021 School Year, all field trips will be hosted digitally via the Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students Program.
Virtual Field Trips
Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) program provides FREE live interactive videoconference programs, also known as virtual field trips. K-12 students from California and around the world are connecting with live State Park Interpreters and learning academic content standards within the context of California’s dynamic state park system. Using platforms like Zoom, Skype and Google Meets, we will connect with your students for these live video conferencing programs. Student participation is encouraged as we design these programs to be very interactive! Teachers can learn more about these programs and register their class by visiting our School Programs Page or by visiting https://www.ports-ca.us/ports-programs/ports-on-demand/pismo-state-beach
Campfire Programs
Join State Park Interpreters around the virtual community campfire for fun and interactive presentations about local wildlife and cultural topics. All ages welcome. Please visit our district YouTube Channel to view our Campfire Program video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aaluoc7TtYw&list=PL3_0PQwwlzA21bO45auCmR3kZ_TbbbqD9
Junior Ranger Programs
Children ages 7 - 12 years old are invited to virtually join State Park Interpreters for fun online programs to learn about science, nature and history! Participants can earn digital Junior Ranger certificates! To view the programs, please visit our district YouTube Channel to see the Junior Ranger video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58pwLpBHIic&list=PL3_0PQwwlzA1dtH8egFtBQL47O6_-lEb1
Little Ranger Programs
Families with young children ages 2 - 6 years old are invited to virtually join State Park Interpreters for our Oceano Dunes District Little Ranger Programs! To view the programs, please visit our district YouTube Channel to see the Little Ranger video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3_0PQwwlzA1uDEoLkVbuqJFXyNJQwLjP
Become a Discovery Agent
Help Secret Agent Bill the Beaver on his mission to discover the Oceano Lagoon at Pismo State Beach. Download the Agents of Discovery App on your smartphone or tablet and select the Oceano Lagoon mission!
The App is FREE and does not require WiFi or cellular data to play once installed! Agents of Discovery is an augmented reality App that allows users to independently explore the park through playing interactive games and triva. At the park, users are able to search for challenges and answer questions about wildlife and the cultural history of the Northern Chumash Native Americans.
Accessibility
There are ADA accessible restrooms at Grand Avenue and Pier Avenue beach access ramps. Sand wheel chairs are available at all park entrance stations free of charge, on a first come first serve basis. California State Parks supports equal access. Visitors who need assistance should contact the Oceano Dunes District Ranger Station at (805) 473-7220 or 711 TYY relay service prior to arrival.
California State Parks is piloting a new iOS mobile app in 8 parks around the state. If you visit Pismo State Beach, download OuterSpatial and try it out! This new app gives you information about amazing destinations - including special events, maps, photos, and official trail guides- right at your fingertips. For more information on the pilot program and to download the app directly from the Apple store, visit OuterSpatial (http://bit.ly/PismoCSPapp). Tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
#CAStateParks and #InventYourAdventure #CAStateParksOuterSpatial